The defense asked for the acquittal of the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh.

At a hearing in the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, lawyers called the guilt of their clients, the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, unproven and called on the court to acquit them.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," the trial of the former leaders of the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, accused of war crimes, concluded on October 31. The prosecution requested life imprisonment for Arayik Harutyunyan, David Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and David Manukyan, and 16 to 20 years in prison for the others. The lengthy indictment was prepared in advance, lawyer Siranush Sahakyan is sure.

During the trial of the former leaders of the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, the defense spoke at a hearing on December 4, the Azertaj news agency reported.

David Ishkhanyan's defense attorney, Agshin Mammadli, said in his speech that the court's duty is not only to verify the issues stated in the indictment, but also to ensure the principles of justice, the rule of law, and the presumption of innocence, and asked the court to render an acquittal. Another of Ishkhanyan's lawyers, Elchin Amirov, also asked the court to acquit his client. Levon Balayan's defense attorney, Vafa Mehdiyeva, citing her client's testimony, stated that from 1995 to 1998, he served as a soldier in military units in Shusha, Khankendi, and Khojaly, whose numbers he does not remember. During this time, he was issued an AKS-74 assault rifle. The lawyer stated that her client's actions do not constitute a crime and asked the court to acquit. Another of Balayan's lawyers, Sagi Mamedov, also asked the court to acquit. David Allahverdyan's defense attorney, Nizami Aliyev, said his client does not plead guilty to the charges against him. He stated that the evidence against Allahverdyan is unfounded and unreliable and asked the court to acquit. Another lawyer, Elmeddin Mamedov, agreed with him.

Erik Kazaryan's defense attorney, Natig Mustafayev, noted that his client does not consider himself guilty; by surrendering his weapons, he voluntarily surrendered to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. He asked the court to acquit E. Kazaryan.

Melikset Pashayan did not take part in active hostilities, lawyer Elnaz Samedova stated in court. In her opinion, the charges brought against Pashayan are unfounded and therefore he should be acquitted.

Defense lawyers for the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan, Ogtay Madatov and Khayyam Askerov, stated that their client does not consider himself guilty and asked the court to render a fair sentence.

This man is not a criminal, but a living witness of a tragic era.

Bako Saakyan's lawyer, Nigar Mirbabayeva, noted that her client served in the rear, worked as a civilian, and his duties included distributing food and clothing and organizing the supply of medicine. The lawyer stated that the defendant was not involved in planning an aggressive war, did not participate in operations against civilians, and that his activities were primarily humanitarian in nature.

She emphasized that Sahakyan's actions did not exceed his legal duties and were not intended to commit a crime. "This man is not a criminal, but a living witness of a tragic era," the lawyer said.

She noted that the evidence presented by the prosecution is insufficient to determine Bako Sahakyan's guilt. According to her, since his innocence has been proven, an acquittal would be the only fair and legal decision.

Garik Martirosyan's defense attorney, Rashadat Akhundov, stated that his client did not plead guilty in his statement. The lawyer stated that no evidence linking Martirosyan to a criminal organization was found. He served as a private in a military unit and then stood guard, receiving a monthly salary. The defense attorney asked the court to give Martirosyan a fair sentence.

Arayik Harutyunyan's defense attorney, Javid Rzazade, disagreed with the charges brought against his client. He also touched on the missile attack on Ganja during the 44-day war of 2020. He stated that the decisions to launch the attack were not made by the accused, and that the investigative materials and the factual circumstances of the case clearly indicate that these missiles were fired on the orders of the Armenian leadership from that country's territory. The lawyer stated that the "army" of the self-proclaimed regime was subordinate to the Armenian armed forces, a fact not refuted by the prosecution, and that the long-range missiles were located in Armenia.

Harutyunyan's other lawyer, Anar Mamedov, said that the charges against his client were unproven and asked the court to acquit his client, declaring that his actions did not constitute a crime.

The trial will continue on the 11th. December, the publication says.